The 2014 study, which surveyed 1,600 millennials between 22 and 33, found that 53% think about their financial future daily, and nearly one in four are confident they will be able to save for the lifestyle they hope to have. The problem, other than the competitive job market, insurmountable student loan debt and a distrustful view of most everything, is that millennials weren’t really taught finance 101 in school.

So the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, a government agency tasked with protecting consumer interests, offered some basic advice to get millennials thinking in the right direction when dollar bills are on the line.

Get smart about student loans

With a cumulative $1.3 trillion in student loan debt nationwide, and students leaving college with an average of $30,000 worth of loans, student loan debt repayment is certainly a financial issue that will haunt millennials for years to come.

Once that six-month grace period has flown by, the CFPB recommends the borrowers sign up to have the loan servicer automatically take the monthly balance directly from their bank account — if they have steady enough income to afford it. It’s also recommended to pay more than is owed for each month if possible, but if borrowers don’t think making full payments each month is attainable there are other payment options available, such as pay as you earn. This option caps payments as a percentage of a borrower’s income, with the possibility of leading to forgiveness, though loan forgiveness in general is rare. The CFPB’s repay student debt tool can help people navigate all of the different options.

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Choose a bank account that doesn’t crush you with fees

According to the CFPB, in 2014, nearly 40% of bank customers between the ages 18 and 25 were hit with overdraft fees. The CFPB found that the average bank overdraft fee was about $34 and that most overdrafts occurred on transactions of $24 or less. A lot of college students open accounts through banks that have deals with their school, and according to the CFPB, a lot of graduates keep these accounts. These banks usually don’t offer much if any benefits to card holders, so shopping around is encouraged.

Those who expect to move to another city or state after graduating should consider a virtual bank account that reimburses them for any ATM fees incurred.

Don’t miss out on your employer matching

Put money into that 401(k). It’s as simple as that. While fewer young workers are eligible for an employer match in their 401(k), said the CFPB, those who are should definitely not miss out on that opportunity.

So actually read all of the information that human resources gives you on your first day, or have an idea of what’s offered beforehand. Ask questions and take advantage of the company retirement plan, because that employer match can lead to a nice chunk of change in the future.

Build — and check — your credit

Having good credit is a critical part of building a secure financial future. A good credit report makes you eligible for credit cards, car loans, home mortgage loans — and often determines what rates you’ll pay for such loans. If a loan servicer finds your credit score to be too low, he will either deny the loan or charge higher interest rates.

The CFPB said that since new regulations have restricted aggressive marketing to college students — resulting in fewer college graduates with credit cards — it is more important than ever to pay all other loan payments on time to help build a solid credit report. The CFPB recommends checking your credit report at least once a year to detect any inaccuracies.

Prepare for the unexpected

A lot of experts recommend stockpiling up to six months’ worth of expenses in case you lose your job, need to quit your job, or injure yourself and are unable to work. The CFPB also suggests considering an automatic savings plan that takes aspecified amount of money from your paycheck. Also, if renting a house or apartment, the CFPB recommends considering renter’s insurance — often an affordable way to protect possessions, like that Playstation.

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